Sport

Reed: future uncertain

SUNDERLAND midfielder Adam Reed admits his future on Wearside is uncertain, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Reed played for Portsmouth at Hartlepool United on Tuesday night after signing a short-term deal with the League One strugglers.

The 21-year-old will, from next season, have to be registered in Sunderland's 25-man squad for the Premier League if he is to feature for the Black Cats, and is unsure as to whether he will be offered terms.

Reed said after Tuesday's 0-0 draw: "My contract is up in the summer and I've been out on loan a lot, so I've played quite a few league games now. But then you go back and you don't get an opportunity - so it gets a bit frustrating.

"I know I will have to look at my future and I will find out sooner rather than later whether they will offer me a contract or whether I want to find another club and play first-team football.

"I've been there a long time and it will be hard to make that decision if I decide to leave. But every player wants to play first-team football once you've had that taste.

"There is no better feeling than playing a proper game at 3pm on a Saturday.

"To play in front of fans makes it a proper competitive game. It's hard to go back to playing in the Under-21s when you have had a taste of that.

"There is nothing like league football and if I am meant to play at the highest level, I will get there."

Meanwhile, the Black Cats are understood to be looking at Zambian defender Stoppila Sunzu who is on Wearside for a trial.

The centre-half had a trial at Reading during the transfer window and was presented to the Royals as a free agent, but his club TP Mazembe argued that he was contracted until 2015, causing the deal to break down.